The frame was a gift from Freecycle, (It used to be someone’s roof!) and the roofing felt came from another Freecycler who was clearing out their parents garage!

I’m not sure if you can make out (in photo 3) but I’ve put the small coop I made inside the big one so it feels more recognisable and homely to them.

They’ve had plenty of opportunity over the last couple of months to go in and out so there shouldn’t be any worries over them going in there tonight (Fingers crossed! Lol)

As you can see there are still a few jobs left to do,
I have to put a cover over the mesh “window”, cut a “pop hole” for them to go in and out of and there are a few boards that still need painting but I’ve had enough for one day so it’s going to have to wait. At least they can use it tonight and be out of any drafts and snug and warm.

Comments

Freecycle .. what a wonderful idea that is .. never used it myself but I did a house clearance for somebody else and found new homes for loads of items !
Ian, am I in the photos ? Am I being a good girl ? LOL !

Hi Shirley. you're in photo 2 (on the right hand side) and yes you are behaving! Lol

I love Freecycle and up until I had my stroke I regularly took in old PC's and revamped them to give back to others again.

WL, I have had a lot of stuff over the last couple of years (usually timber and the likes) but as I said I've given a lot away as well. The chooks got locked in for an hour with their food but I've let them out again as it's so nice today.

Oh Dido! that was a "rotten egg joke" Lol. Unfortunately I won't recoop any costs as I give the eggs away to our neighbours (and Holly's teachers. We have to make sure her grades stay up, don't we? Lol)

Absolutely Spritz, I did check out prices on EBay, did a quick gulp (or two) and then thought about designing this one.

well done Ian....the chicken house looks great.. they will love it....
i used to love getting the eggs in.... when i had my chickens.... nothing quite like fresh eggs is there....... and yes a nicer blog than yesterday.. : O )) i do hope you dont get to much disturbance from your spirit visitor....

Hiya Ian ,I did see your other blog and agree I like this one better, you`ve been working hard and your girls will be snug and safe now, hope they appreciate it, you certainly did well as regards cost.........

Hi Holly, Thank you very much I hope they do. It's Holly's job to collect the eggs and woe-be-tied anyone who does it for her! Lol
I got some more info on previous tenants (did you read my comment?) It seems there is plenty of scope for possible suspects although the last one is, I think, favourite!

Ian, I too built a chicken house and pen in May, we now are more than self sufficient with eggs. They quickly become pets. I do however have to sound a word of caution. Two weeks ago we discovered we had a serious infestation of 'mites'. This is not unusual but if not dealt with it can seriously harm chickens. Much of the trouble has to do with the fabric and construction of the coop. If you would like some first hand advice feel free to PM me.

Hi Mobee, you're not alone in wishing for a more reliable post system. My parents (in Northumberland) would love the chance to try our eggs. Our neighbours never complain when they see Holly trotting up their garden path with her little basket of goodies. She's had so many treats and gifts this summer that I'm afraid we're spoiling her! Lol ;~))

Hi Heron, we have five chooks and get at least four eggs a day (for the time being) but this will drop off over the darker winter months. They are definitely pets first and a food source second and I don't think I would survive suggesting where we might get our Sunday roast from! Lol
As for mites, I do know some about them but I'm always open to any advice. I will keep your very kind offer in mind for any such emergency.
I do know that they will live in any cracks in the materials used so my OSB board will need careful and regular checks and quarterly disinfecting as a safety precaution. I "pooh pick" every day and they get a complete clean out every week.

It's nothing to do with hygiene Ian, the little blighters are so small it's difficult to spot them until they're in the millions. I first was alerted when I read an article in a farming mag. It pointed out that they just love hiding in between a wooden roof and the felt covering.

I'd recognize that Shirley anywhere! LOL
Great accommodation for those chickies Ian, I hope they reward you with lots of eggs. I'll spare you an 'egg' joke, bet you've heard them all by now anyway Well done :o))

They have settled in really well San, probably because I put their little coop inside the new one. I closed them in there for an hour or so when I had finished it (to get them used to being in there) and now as soon as it starts getting dark they go straight in there!

My chooks roam free for much of the day but they have always headed "home" as dusk settles. They are really friendly and when Holly comes home from school they almost line up waiting for a cuddle from her!

I do have a cane with a bit of rag tied on the end though, that I wave at them if the need arises. Lol.

Our daughter lets her chooks out if she's at home but is out a lot as well and can't safely leave them outside if she can't keep an eye on them. She's only had them a few months but her 4 children like them a lot....and almost need a rota for collecting the eggs! lol

I bet they enjoy Holly's cuddles...it is great for children to get so close to animals. Our daughter has 2 cats as well.

When we got them W'lass they had just come from a battery farm and were really scared of everything. Holly has been so patient with them it's hard to believe she is only 7 yr old. I can pick them up, if I'm fast enough to catch them but Holly just sits on one of our benches in the garden and they jump up and sit on her lap!

When I was first married I decided to cook a chicken dinner. Went to the shop and bought what Canadians call a "broiler"...in other words, a tough chicken! Except I didn't know that until we tried to eat it....you could have knocked out an army with the legs...it was so tough.